The Pac-12 is a pass-happy conference. Arizona State, Washington State and Arizona are in five wides half the time. Cal is going to a spread offense. To win the league, you've got to get past Nick Foles, Matt Barkley, and Andrew Luck. Jeff Tuel, Brock Osweiler, and Ryan Katz are all capable throwers. The only true Ground Chuck-style offenses in the pack are UCLA and Utah, and the Ducks don't play either of those schools this year, although Washington will also rely heavily on Chris Polk while they break in a first-year starter at quarterback.
With a shortage of linebackers and a surplus in the secondary, Nick Aliotti will likely adapt. A fair portion of the time the defense could be in a 4-2-5 look, employing an extra safety with two linebackers on the field. At times the best 11, given the game situation and the opponent, might include Brian Jackson, Scott Grady or Erick Dargan off the bench.
Aliotti can use different personnel groups to ease the burden on the linebackers, particularly as Don Pellum's younger LBs get up to speed in the system.. The foundation of the Oregon defensive philosphy is "two big uglies, and nine guys who can run." Amend that to nine guys who can run and tackle, and it gives the Ducks the right combination of flexibility and effectiveness. Wallace and Malone will learn, and John Neal's group will spell them.
With their athleticism, pride and aggressiveness, the Ducks can play defense with anyone in the country. At times they get overshadowed by the flashy offense, but this is a capable unit, likely to improve as the season goes on.
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